My Worst Day as a CFO: Lessons That Changed How I Lead

Behind every “worst day” is a missed signal, a risky decision, or a crisis that a CFO could have prevented or navigated. These circumstances become catalysts for growth.
In this session, CFOs unpack their toughest moments and the lessons that ultimately shaped their success. You’ll walk away with concrete ways to spot risk earlier, build deeper trust with stakeholders, and show up as a strategic partner instead of a last‑minute financial firefighter.
For this session, we’re specifically targeting finance leaders, so we’re keeping attendance limited to that group.
Panelists:
Sruthi Lanka, CFO at Public.com
Dan Rochkind, CFO at Lerer Hippeau
Alexis DeSieno, Former CFO at Cardlytics
George Wells, Founder of Wells Group
Schedule:
6:00–6:30 PM: Welcome networking
6:30–7:15 PM: Panel conversation featuring prepared questions followed by audience Q&A
7:15–8:00 PM Continued networking and discussion of topics
Refreshments and light food will be available.
Sponsor:

IOmergent helps dynamic commercial organizations to design, build, and operate strategy-aligned, AI-ready security programs.
We reduce cyber risk and support business objectives with advisory consulting, fractional retainers and innovative managed security services.
Organizers:

Since 2018, Build Scale Grow has provided fractional leadership to help startups uncover opportunities and reduce risk. We turn goals into priorities, solve problems before they become fires, and build the systems you need to stay focused on growth.

Founded in 2016, the New York Tech CFO Group is a free community for high-growth finance leaders seeking sharper planning, smoother operations, and smarter tech choices.
We host regular in-person gatherings in NYC that combine education and connection.